Toronto Trades Knies, Locks In Marchenko for Six Years

The Leafs made it official Monday, acquiring Kirill Marchenko from Columbus in a seven-player deal that sends Matthew Knies to the Blue Jackets. Toronto also agreed to a six-year extension with the 26-year-old Marchenko, so this isn't a rental or a bridge move — it's a commitment.

The left-wing hole has been visible all offseason. Knies posted 12 goals and 39 points last season, but the roster analysis flagged the position as a high-priority need heading into 2026-27, and the depth chart bore that out. Marchenko was Columbus's leading goal scorer, and the Leafs clearly decided that profile — a young power forward with term attached — was worth more than what they were giving up.

Three days ago I wrote that the Marchenko interest was a signal Toronto knew its forward depth wasn't enough. The deal got done faster than expected, landing the night before the opener against Montreal. Whether Marchenko slots immediately into a top-six role alongside Nylander and Matthews is a question for the coaching staff, but the organizational intent is plain enough.